Home Depot to hire 540 in Naples, Fort Myers

Quarterly profit and sales shot higher at the largest U.S. home improvement chain as customers stocked up on emergency products and rebuilding materials. Fred Katayama reports.
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Nora Perretta of San Carlos Park secures fencing to her vehicle Friday morning at The Home Depot in south Fort Myers.(Photo: Casey Logan/The News-Press)

It might not feel like it, but spring isn’t too far away for Southwest Florida.

The Home Depot is starting its spring hiring push, expecting to add 540 associates in the Fort Myers and Naples areas. Spring is the company’s busiest time of year.

“It’s our spring season, so big focus on garden, our loading associates, cashiers,” said Mark Wilke, district HR manager. “What’s different about this year is we’re post-Hurricane Irma in this market. A lot of our core selling departments will also be hiring … lumber, building materials, paint.”

Apply at careers.homedepot.com or text HOMEDEPOT to 52270 and receive a link to apply for hourly positions in the area.

It takes about 15 minutes to apply for a job at the world’s largest home improvement retailer. All candidates must apply online. Through the website, select “learn more” and enter your desired location and click “search jobs.”

Jobs are in sales, operations and online order fulfillment. Cashiers will also be hired. Positions vary by store and wages vary by experience.

Nationwide, jobs are both permanent part-time and seasonal, in stores and distribution facilities. In this area, however, all the jobs are permanent part-time.

“In south Florida, we bring people on in a regular position almost exclusively,” Wilke said. “Partly because of the impact of Irma. These are regular jobs. We won’t bring any temps here in the Fort Myers, Naples market.”

David Lang of Fort Myers loads wood into his vehicle Tuesday morning at The Home Depot store in south Fort Myers.(Photo: Casey Logan/The News-Press)

Wilke discussed the cycle before and after a hurricane, such is the case with Hurricane Irma. There’s the prep period in which people buy generators and window protection, then the time after the storm in which people take care of immediate needs such as roofing, drywall and fencing replacement.

“Now drywall is up in the house and they’re getting ready to put in their new kitchen or they’re getting ready to paint,” he said. “Flooring, walls, kitchen, bathroom, all of those things are the next phase.”

College students, retirees and veterans are encouraged to apply.

“Really looking for someone who is customer service oriented,” Wilke said. “It’s helpful if you have knowledge around household projects, but we can train you to be an expert in any of the departments.”

The Home Depot has 2,284 stores, and the company employs more than 400,000 people.

“We’re moving very quickly because spring comes a lot earlier for south Florida,” Wilke said. “This is a great time to get your foot in the door at The Home Depot.”

The mercury dipped to freezing Thursday morning in Fort Myers, then topped 50 degrees by afternoon. Another 25 degrees and it might just feel like spring.